Introducing your
degree

A degree in French at Southampton, means you will graduate with not only complete proficiency in a widely spoken language, but with an in depth understanding of French speaking nations culture, history and societal structure. The perfect degree course for those who dream of a career more varied and a life well travelled.

Overview

Programme Structure

As a language student you will be allocated to a stage of language proficiency in our unique system of seven language levels. This is designed to place you at the stage most appropriate to develop your spoken and written skills in French, enabling you to make rapid progress. In all years of study you will benefit from our wide range of resources. You will use the excellent facilities in the Centre for Language Study and in our French Resources Room, including extensive multimedia facilities and online resources.

In your first and second years, you will take modules in French. You will also be able to choose from a range of modules in linguistics and from areas that are not specific to the study of a particular language. These include modules on urban culture, ethnography or film. A special module in year two will prepare you for your year abroad in year three, and for the academic work you will complete during this year.

The third year is spent in a French-speaking country which offers you a unique opportunity to enhance your linguistic and cultural proficiency. You can spend your year abroad as an English language assistant in a school, studying at one of our partner universities or on a work placement. Students of French can choose to go to France or can spend a year in Switzerland or Belgium, whilst others go further to Canada, Guadaloupe, Martinique or La Réunion. Our current ERASMUS partner universities are Grenoble, Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, Angers, Besançon, Lille, Albi, Paris, Rennes, Strasbourg, Geneva, Mons and Fribourg. While abroad you will also conduct an investigative project, supervised by a tutor at Southampton.

The final year also leaves you with a large range of module options in French and other subjects, taking into full account that you may wish to specialise in an area that most suits your interests and combines well with what you have studied so far. You will also have the opportunity to prepare a final year dissertation under the guidance of an appropriate supervisor.

International applications

We welcome applications from international students. Helpful information on applying, meeting a University representative in your country, or improving your English language levels can be found on the International Office website. If English is not your first language you will be required to pass an approved English test. We normally ask for an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with not less than 6.5 in Reading and Writing, 6.0 in Listening and Speaking.

Alternative qualifications

We welcome applications from candidates offering qualifications other than A and AS levels (including BTEC, European Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate and Scottish Highers). You will be expected to attain an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University to an A level applicant. Contact us for further information on equivalencies for these qualifications and others not listed here.

Contextual Offers

The University of Southampton is committed to widening participation and ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data supports our admissions teams to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who flagged in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

A typical contextual offer is ABB from three A levels including Grade A in French or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University.

Modules

Typical course content

In all years of study you will benefit our the wide range of resources (including extensive electronic and televisual facilities).

Year one modules provide an introduction to the study of cultural forms, political and historical issues, and linguistic issues.

In years two and four you will have the opportunity to concentrate on your own particular interests, selecting from a range of more specialised modules on French- speaking societies.

A special module in year two will prepare you for your year abroad in year three, and for the academic work you will complete during this year.

Your year abroad is an opportunity to improve your linguistic and cultural proficiency in your chosen language, and to demonstrate your ability to work independently over a sustained period.

Innovation modules outside of your subject area

Our Curriculum Innovation Programme offers you the chance to take optional modules outside of your chosen subject area. This allows you to personalise your education, to develop new skills and knowledge for your future. Modules range from "Living and working on the web" to "Business skills for employability".

Learn a language

If your programme allows you to choose free elective modules, you can also take a credit bearing language module. These are split into seven stages, from absolute beginner to near-native speaker level. Please email your Student Office if you have any queries regarding your module options.

Year
1

The following is an indicative list of available optional modules, which are subject to change each academic year. Please note in some instances modules have limited spaces available.

In each semester you will be required to follow four modules (a total of eight modules over the year). One module in each semester will be your French language course. You may take one optional module outside your main subject each semester. Choose three optional modules in each semester (six in total).

Year one students will be able to make their option choices on line this year.

Semester Two

Optional

Year
2

The following is an indicative list of available optional modules, which are subject to change each academic year. Please note in some instances modules have limited spaces available.

Choose three optional modules in each semester (six in total). You must choose at least three optional FREN module in the year (FILM2007 may count as a FREN module). One module in each semester will be your French language course. You may take one optional module outside your main subject each semester.

LANG2010 is a compulsory fifth module for all second year students taking a Modern Languages degree, whether single or combined honours.

Year
4

The following is an indicative list of available optional modules, which are subject to change each academic year. Please note in some instances modules have limited spaces available.

Choose three optional modules in each semester (six in total). You must choose at least three optional FREN modules in the year (FILM3008 may count as a FREN module). One module in each semester will be your French language course. You may take one optional module outside your main subject each semester.

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical
student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage
of the learning opportunities that are provided.
More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide
or website).

Fees & funding

Tuition fees

Course fees for 2017/18 full-time UK and EU undergraduate students are typically
£9,250 per year.
Tuition fees for international students differ between each course. Most
part-time courses cost 50% of the full-time fee.

Funding

Scholarships, bursaries or grants may be available to support you through your
course.
Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or
your country of origin.
These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.

Costs associated with this course

Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such
essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the
academic requirements for each programme of study.

There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the
University:

Type

Description

Stationery

You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationary items, e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks, etc.).

Books

Where a module specifies core texts these should generally be available on the reserve list in the library. However due to demand, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source.
Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading. The library may hold copies of such texts, or alternatively you may wish to purchase your own copies. Although not essential reading, you may benefit from the additional reading materials for the module.

Equipment

Laboratory Equipment and Materials: All laboratory equipment and materials are provided.
IT
Computer Discs or USB drives: Students are expected to provide their own portable data storage device.
Software Licenses: All software is provided.
Hardware: It is advisable that students provide their own laptop or personal computer, although shared facilities are available across the University campus.

Printing and copying

Where possible, coursework such as essays; projects; dissertations is likely to be submitted on line. However, there are some items where it is not possible to submit on line and students will be asked to provide a printed copy. The University printing costs are currently:
A4 - 5p per side (black and white) or 25p per side (colour) A3 - 10p per side (black and white) or 50p per side (colour).
Please Note: Paper sizes not recognised by the printing devices will prompt you to select the size and then charge a minimum of 50p per black and white copy and a maximum of £1 per colour copy.
You can pay for your printing by using the money loaders or by using print copy payment service by going to www.printcopypayments.soton.ac.uk
Please remember that we are unable to refund any credit that has not been used by the end of your course, so please consider this when topping up your printing/copy account.
You will be given a printing allowance of £1 per 7.5 ECTS ARCH towards the costs of printing lecture handouts and/or practical scripts.
The University Print Centre also offers a printing and copying service as well as a dissertation/binding service. Current printing and copying costs can be found here: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/printcentre/copyrooms/service.page.
They also provide a large format printing service, e.g. Academic posters. Details of current costs can be found here:
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/printcentre/exhibition/academicposters.page?

Placements

Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
Students on placement programmes can expect to cover costs for health and travel insurance, accommodation and living expenses; travel costs; visa costs. This will vary depending on which country you are travelling to. Specific details on what additional costs there will be are detailed in the individual module profiles which can be found under the modules tab of the programmes details of your programme.
ML Residence Abroad – Cost Implications
As you know, the ML third year includes a period of study or work abroad as a compulsory element of a four year degree, and as a result, all students pay reduced home tuition fees to Southampton their third year (currently 15% for home and EU students, 40% for International Students) irrespective of what placement they take up. However, as happens whilst you are in Southampton, students are expected to pay their own travel expenses, accommodation and other living expenses. So that you can assess the viability of the different options available to you, the following outlines their general cost implications, but please do bear in mind that these may vary enormously from student to student depending on what placement is selected and where it is located. Should you need further information, please contact the relevant RA language coordinator:
Students studying or working in Europe
Students are eligible for a small grant through the British Council, which is means tested against their salary (if relevant) and which varies every year (as a guide, students this year receive around 350-400 Euros per month). The only exceptions to this are students who currently live full-time with their parents and for whom household income is above the threshold.
British Council students also receive a monthly salary (this varies country to country) and are expected to pay for their International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) checks, which are mandatory and currently cost £45.
University students tend to receive a slightly higher grant than those who working for the British Council since they are not in receipt of a salary. They pay no tuition fees to their host university.
Work placement students may or may not be paid, and their grant is calculated accordingly.
These students are not eligible for the British Council grant but may be able to apply for funding to support their travel etc. through the International Office. All students are expected to pay for their own student visas; costs vary from country to country.
Students studying in Latin America or China will generally have to pay host university fees, although typically these are no more than £100 for the academic year.
Students working in Latin America are not generally paid a stipend. Some receive free accommodation, travel or meals as a work benefit, others (generally in voluntary work) often also have to pay to join the scheme and be eligible to work do not receive this.
Students taking place in the Mexico link receive a bursary.

In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated
with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also
ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and
Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.

Career Opportunities

Employability is embedded into modules from the first year onwards, right from the first lecture. We offer a number of optional employability modules.

Your specialist skills in intercultural communication, listening and language will be highly valued by employers.

A year abroad gives you the chance to achieve something away from education-centred activity, such as gaining relevant work experience to help form your future plans. With many employers now expecting extracurricular or voluntary experience, this can prove vital.

Learning & Assessment

A humanities degree at Southampton offers you the wide and varied learning experience you should expect from a leading research university. We are committed to providing a relevant, modern and above all enjoyable experience which will ensure you graduate with the skills and understanding you need to start a career in any number of industries.

Led by academic staff, your teaching will allow you to engage with and contribute to the world-leading research carried out at Southampton as it happens. Our staff value your opinion and views: lectures are typically followed by a small group seminar which gives you the opportuinity to explore ideas and themes that you feel are particularly relevant. You will find yourself challenged intellectually and exposed to new ideas, approaches and perspectives. Visiting speakers from international universities and successful professionals are a frequent part of our lecture series.

Your course will be incredibly flexible to suit your personal aims and objectives. Within your degree there will be a wide and fascinating range of modules related to our specialisms led by academics passionate about their research who want to engage you in their experience. You can choose subjects from beyond your degree to fashion the knowledge and experiences that you think will best help you in the career in front of you. Each module has a home on our virtual learning environment which serves as a starting point to find out more about each subject and undertake independent research to develop your understanding to a greater depth.

You will be assessed by more than simply essays and exams. Depending on the modules you choose, you will work in groups and teams; make presentations; submit group projects; undertake fieldwork; create portfolios and manage larger research projects such as dissertations. Your academic advisor will be available to provide regular and supportive advice, guidance and feedback on your progress.

You will find the key skills employers seek - such as time management, problem solving, team work, deadline and project management, cultural awareness, working on initiative and independently, relationship building and analysis - embedded in your learning. Above all, you will learn to communicate ideas and enthusiasm to a wide range of audiences in a way that is relevant and that they can understand.

Our courses have many unique and exciting opportunities such as visiting Chawton House Library – the former home of Jane Austen, the Broadlands Archive containing the papers of Palmerston and Mountbatten, research active fieldwork placements, placements in schools and colleges as part of your degree such as international writing in schools, the student associates scheme and our extended project mentoring module. All our students have the opportunity to spend a semester, a year or a summer at one of our international partner universities to experience a new culture.